City News

Three police officers will be presented medals and the promotions of four other officers and two civilian employees will be recognized during a ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, in the auditorium of the Public Safety Center, 725 N. Cherry St.

Police Chief Pat Norris will present Officer Rodney K. Griffin with the Medal of Valor for ignoring his personal safety and maintaining his composure while under fire in order to prevent death or injury to members of the community. On Aug. 13, 2005, Griffin arrived as backup to a report of a man with a gun in the 1000 block of Miller Street. Griffin was fired upon as he helped set up a perimeter to contain the suspect in his apartment. The suspect was unable to escape and was apprehended.

Officer Timothy S. Hanks is being presented the Medal of Valor for unselfish actions that prevented the imminent loss of life without regard to his own safety. On May 19, 2005, Hanks pulled a driver in diabetic shock from his burning vehicle, which had crashed into a median on Interstate 40. The car was locked and the driver’s foot was wedged on the accelerator with the drive wheels spinning, complicating the rescue.

Officer Tammy Taylor is being awarded the Medal of Merit for her actions on Oct. 1, 2005, in saving the life of a robbery victim whose throat had been severely cut; and for deducing that the victim had been raped, allowing investigators to recover evidence before it was lost. Taylor’s quick actions saved a life and helped detect a crime.

Also on Friday, the following promotions will be recognized:

To lieutenant: David A. Lamb and Christopher A. Lowder.

To sergeant: Kelvin C. Murphy and Tony L. Perkins.

In addition, Chad C. Higgins will be recognized for his promotion to public safety communications squad supervisor and Sandra G. Setser will be recognized for her promotion to senior public safety communications operator.